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Massive tidal energy project proposed for Scotland

[an article from www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk]

(Scotland) Sept. 25/05 -- Plans are being studied for a massive barrage across the Pentland Firth to generate electricity from one of Britain's most powerful tidal streams.

The proposal - which would be the biggest renewable energy project in the UK - was revealed yesterday by Lib Dem shadow Scottish secretary John Thurso. The Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP backed the idea at a fringe meeting at the Blackpool conference, and said later that the feasibility of the construction is being studied at Thurso College and that there is commercial interest.

It was at the meeting that Lord Thurso revealed the barrage proposal, after claiming tides in the Pentland Firth are so strong that "it offers real potential". Later Lord Thurso said he hoped to seek support for the idea at a meeting today with Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen, who announced a week ago in Aberdeen that the executive intended to channel more support for renewables into wave and tidal power. Lord Thurso claimed work could start on an initial mile-long barrier between the mainland and the island of Stroma, at a cost of £5-£7million, within the next two to three years if trials show it would be feasible. "There is a huge amount of potential. The existing current runs at up to 11 knots over the seabed," Lord Thurso said, adding that construction of the main barrage could start within five to seven years.

For more news, visit http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk

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